Ukiah mom arrested after drunk teens found at party

A Ukiah woman was arrested Friday for allegedly hosting a party for her daughter where several teenagers were reportedly drinking beer, the Ukiah Police Department reported.

According to the UPD, a resident in the 400 block of Clara Avenue reported at 11:46 p.m. May 3 that a large, loud party was nearby where minors might be drinking alcohol. When officers arrived, they reportedly saw at least 16 people that appeared to be under the age of 21 who were playing "beer pong" and drinking beer in a backyard.

Upon further investigation, the officers reportedly learned that some of the teens were as young as 15, and most were "obviously intoxicated." The officers also located the owner of the residence, Katherine Peterson, 39, in the backyard, who said the party was for her daughter's 18th birthday.

Peterson was arrested on suspicion of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and booked into Mendocino County Jail. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested for allegedly drinking while on probation and booked into Juvenile Hall.

UPD Chief Chris Dewey said his department is "extremely concerned about under-aged drinking and especially teenager drinking and driving related events. While no one at this incident drive a vehicle, most of the teens at the party were well above the legal limit for driving while intoxicated.

"With graduation parties and summer approaching, it is important to remember that providing alcohol, or any drug, to teenagers is against the law. The consequences of teenage intoxication can be devastating -- please help us keep our kids sober and safe," Dewey continued.